Erie Community College, State University of New York

Payne and Hernon tabbed as ECC Athletes of the Month

The athletic department at Erie Community College is pleased to announce their October 2009 Athletes of the Month.

Rashad Payne, a freshman defensive back from the football team, wins the honor for an outstanding month on the gridiron.

Payne helped his team to a 2-2 record in the month with three interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.  In the October 18 game at Dean, Payne picked off the Bulldogs quarterback and returned it for a school-record 100 yard touchdown.

 Payne, a Florida native, also scored the game-clinching touchdown on a 32-yard interception return versus Milford Academy October 31.

For the month, he was the third leading tackler with 14 tackles (ten solo), three interceptions, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery.

The winner from the women’s side is Belinda Hernon, a Warren Heights, Ohio native.

The sophomore middle blocker from the women’s volleyball team was recently named All-Region second team and All-Conference third team.

Hernon finished the season 22nd in the country in hitting efficiency at 36 % and 45th in kills at 2.7 per set.  She was a key member of the team that went 14-4 for the month, including victories in the TC3 and Alfred State tournaments.

The Lady Kats volleyball team finished their 2009 season with a record of 35-7 overall and 21-4 in Region III, Division III play.  It was the most wins for the team since the 1985 team that finished 41-2.